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Are men facing a modern masculinity crisis?

In Episode 95 of Pre-Zero Sports Talk, Sid Bensalah sits down with Maxim Shapiro, men’s purpose coach and founder of Forward Motion Coaching, for a raw and honest conversation about depression, identity, effort, and reclaiming authentic self-leadership.

Maxim shares how years of drifting, negative self-talk, and playing it safe led to deep dissatisfaction. In his early 40s, a “jarring awakening” pushed him to move from Massachusetts to California, start a business, commit to a long-term relationship, and come off antidepressants. What followed was not comfort, but growth.

This episode explores:

• Why many men feel lost or displaced in today’s culture
• The difference between the true self and the performed self
• Effort vs results and redefining success
• Loving as effort and leadership as presence
• Digital culture, dopamine, and declining real community
• Rebuilding belonging through hard, shared practices like jiu-jitsu
• Practical steps to move from stuck to alive

Maxim explains that self-respect grows from consistent effort, not outcomes. Big goals matter even without guarantees. Authenticity requires stillness, breathing, intuition, and the courage to say what is true.

00:00 – Weather Check & Setting the Conversation
02:10 – Depression at 19 and Early Negative Self-Talk
04:26 – Drifting Without Purpose
06:45 – Moving to California and Going All-In
12:22 – Effort Over Results and Self-Respect
18:13 – Big Goals and Redefining Failure
24:10 – What Success Really Means
32:54 – Coaching Men to Open Up
36:19 – Intuition, Stillness, and Authenticity
38:47 – True Self vs Performed Self
42:47 – Masculinity Today and Leadership
46:30 – Digital Culture and Disconnection
49:43 – Rebuilding Community Through Jiu-Jitsu
52:10 – Small Consistent Actions That Create Change
55:44 – Lightning Round
01:01:05 – Viktor Frankl Closing

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In Episode 94 of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast, Sid Bensalah sits down with performance coach Tom Waite to explore why your body is the real business plan for any leader aiming for clarity, resilience, and long-term performance. Tom works with executives and founders, using athletic training principles, biometric data, strength work, and recovery systems to help high performers avoid burnout and lead with energy and purpose.

Tom shares his journey from semi-professional athlete to coaching leaders, and explains why many executives miss the earliest signs of declining health. He breaks down the importance of understanding your “why,” how to build feedback systems that guide behavior, and why strength training, nutrition, and recovery routines drive better decision-making and mental sharpness.

This conversation blends real stories, practical strategies, and honest reflections on leadership, identity, and sustainable performance. If you want to lead at a high level without sacrificing your health, this episode offers a clear roadmap grounded in experience, not theory.

Timestamps

00:00 Your Body Is the Business Plan, Training Leaders Like Athletes
00:01 Introduction and Greetings
00:22 Discussing the Grind Culture
01:21 Introducing the Guest: Tom, the Performance Coach
01:58 Tom's Journey from Athlete to Coach
03:10 The Importance of Health for Executives
03:57 The Missing Element in Executive Health
06:33 Real-Life Stories of Health Transformation
15:27 Identifying Early Signs of Declining Health
17:12 Debating Weight Loss Medications
23:20 Building Effective Health Systems
25:43 Healthy Eating Habits
27:00 The Importance of Wearables
30:06 Morning Rituals for Success
31:52 Strength Training for Longevity
37:27 Travel and Nutrition Tips
41:27 Lightning Round Q&A
45:23 Final Thoughts and Contact Info

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Angela R. Lewis, a former Division I basketball player, championship-winning coach, author, and leadership consultant, joins host Sid Bensalah on the Pre-Zero Sports Talk podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of women's sports. The conversation covers visibility in women's sports, the importance of role models, and the growth and investment that drive the game's popularity. Angela delves into her V6 framework, which helps athletes transition from valley to victory, emphasizing character development over performance. She also highlights the significance of trust, resilience, and personal growth in coaching, shares insights on pay equity, and reflects on the impact of media portrayals in sports. Angela's new children's book and her existing publications aim to inspire and empower young athletes, emphasizing courage, heart, and community. The episode offers valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts seeking to foster a supportive and equitable sports environment.

Timestamps

00:00 - Angela Lewis on Coaching, Equity & the Future of Women’s Sports
00:01 - Opening & Intro
00:16 - Visibility in Women’s Sports
02:04 - Meet Angela Lewis
03:24 - Her Coaching Journey
07:16 - The V6 Framework Explained
09:46 - Handling Setbacks & Growth
14:39 - Trust in Coaching Relationships
17:52 - Growth of the Women’s Game
21:15 - Media Coverage & Representation
29:29 - Humanizing Athletes
31:53 - Pay Equity: Where We Are
36:52 - Faith, Identity & Resilience
38:08 - Messages for Young Girls in Sports
47:14 - Lightning Round Q&A
50:20 - Final Reflections & Ways to Connect

- Learn more about Angela: angelarlewis.com

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Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations at the intersection of sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress. Follow, watch, and share your voice—because it matters.

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David Sauers is the co-founder of Royal Restrooms, a visionary entrepreneur and master at turning overlooked problems into meaningful business solutions. From a frustrating moment at a Shakespeare festival in Savannah, Georgia, he sparked an idea that led to a nationwide luxury restroom franchise operating in over 50 U.S. markets.

In this episode of the Pre-Zero Sports Talk Podcast, host Sid Bensalah explores David’s powerful journey—from building Royal Restrooms out of necessity to expanding into event innovation through ventures such as Pitch Perfect TVs and Savannah Bar Carts.

David opens up about:

• What sparked the business
• How leadership, faith, and purpose shaped his path
• The challenge of educating clients to shift from cost-thinking to value-thinking
• Franchising, scaling, and creating a culture of service
• Why clean infrastructure is central to performance in sports, business, and life

This episode is packed with practical insights for event organizers, coaches, entrepreneurs, and anyone building something from the ground up. It’s honest, unfiltered, and full of heart.

Timestamps

00:00 – Rethinking Restrooms: David Sauers on Innovation, Leadership, and Event Experience
00:01 – Introduction and Greetings
00:29 – David's Inspiring Journey
02:38 – The Birth of Royal Restrooms
06:12 – Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success
14:40 – Expansion and Franchising
20:20 – Innovative Ventures and Future Plans
22:51 – Event Logistics Insights
24:00 – Shifting Client Mindset from Cost to Value
33:35 – Faith and Leadership
38:17 – Customer Experience and Brand Loyalty
43:47 – Lightning Round: Personal Insights
47:33 – Concluding Thoughts and Legacy

If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show.

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Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations at the intersection of sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress. Follow, watch, and share your voice—because it matters.

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In this raw, honest, and wide-ranging conversation, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Bob Labbe, retired engineer and author of Putting by the Numbers, to explore how structure, science, and simplicity can unlock consistency and confidence in your golf game — starting with lag putting.

Bob shares how frustration on the green turned into a 25-year journey that combined engineering logic with real-world results. His method requires no gear, no swing changes — just basic arithmetic, practice, and presence. From technical insights to mindset shifts, this episode goes beyond technique and into what it really takes to be a better golfer.

Whether you're chasing a lower handicap or just tired of three-putts, this episode gives you tools, stories, and a refreshing reminder that progress is possible — at any age.

Timestamps

00:00 – Golf Smarter: Master Lag Putting with Bob Labbe
00:36 – Why putting ruins most golf scores
02:21 – Meet Bob Labbe: Engineer turned golf problem solver
03:15 – From business exit to golf obsession
04:32 – Inventing a method from scratch
06:15 – How math beats guesswork on the green
11:03 – The 25-year road to writing the book
12:37 – Making the science accessible to all golfers
25:33 – Real success stories from everyday players
34:04 – Pre-shot routines and understanding power factor
35:32 – Practice commitment and improvement curve
38:09 – Why this works on any green, anywhere
40:55 – Mindset, confidence, and emotional focus
44:20 – Injuries, aging, and staying in the game
46:38 – What legacy looks like after the game
50:19 – Lightning Round
1:02:23 – Final thoughts and farewell

📘 Grab your copy of "Putting By the Numbers" by Bob Labbe here.

If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show.

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Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations at the intersection of sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress. Follow, watch, and share your voice—because it matters.

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Dr. Matthew Kutz, a global leadership expert, scholar, and prostate cancer survivor, joins Sid Bensalah for a powerful and candid conversation about identity, resilience, and faith in the face of real suffering. Diagnosed with advanced metastatic cancer, Matt shares how pain became a teacher and how purpose deepened through adversity.

He shares his initial shock, a shift in his mindset, and how faith, family, and community help him navigate dark times. Using personal stories and biblical examples like Joseph and David, Matt reflects on HOPE, emotional growth, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Through his EPIC framework and his cancer support foundation, Battle for the Bulge, Matt demonstrates how leadership and vulnerability can coexist. He also discusses emotional intimacy in marriage, staying grounded as a father, and how suffering can shape a legacy.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
00:26 The Last 5K and Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
01:31 Joseph's Story and Its Lessons
03:40 Personal Reflections on Pain and Faith
08:24 Matt's Journey: From Diagnosis to Treatment
15:05 The Emotional Impact of Cancer
20:00 Facing the Reality of Cancer Spread
28:32 Hope, Faith, and Overcoming Adversity
33:53 David and Goliath: Drawing Strength from Stories
36:43 The Lions and Bears List: Finding Strength in Past Victories
39:10 Community Support and Sharing Stories
40:23 Introduction to the Epic Framework
40:41 Facing the Reality of Cancer Treatment
43:24 Turning Adversity into Opportunity
45:06 The Birth of 'Becoming Epic.'
54:42 Battle for the Bulge: A Prostate Cancer Foundation
58:14 The Importance of Community and Support
01:05:37 Mindset Shift: From Coach to Patient
01:25:37 Marriage Advice: The Importance of Intimacy
01:36:52 Faith Through Adversity
01:59:44 Lightning Round: Quick Insights
02:02:34 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations at the intersection of sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress. Follow, watch, and share your voice—because it matters.

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In this inspiring episode, host Sid Bensalah speaks with Kandace Kalin, a former elite synchronized swimmer and founder of O2 Sports Insurance. Kandace opens up about her personal journey — from the rigor of competitive athletics to the boardroom — sharing how grief, wrongful termination, and profound loss reshaped her career and mission. She discusses how the resilience, structure, and discipline from her swimming career helped her build a purpose-driven business that now champions mental health and athlete support in the insurance world.

The episode dives into themes of sports leadership, female entrepreneurship, identity after athletics, and building mentally healthy workplaces — especially in male-dominated industries.

Whether you're an athlete, executive, coach, or parent, Kandace’s story delivers a masterclass in rebuilding from rock bottom, leading with empathy, and turning adversity into impact.

00:00 From Setback to CEO: Kandace Kalin’s Playbook for Rebuilding After Loss
03:11 Overcoming Personal Tragedy ‌
05:13 Lessons from Synchronized Swimming
07:19 Transitioning from Athlete to Entrepreneur
14:24 Challenges and Triumphs in Business
22:15 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry
29:36 Creating a Supportive Work Environment
33:38 Making a Difference Through Sponsorships
35:50 Balancing Parenting and Career
38:05 Teaching Resilience to Children
41:58 Future Goals for O2 Sports Insurance
44:52 Lightning Round: Quick Insights
47:50 Reflections on Resilience and Legacy

Topics Covered

• Athlete to entrepreneur transformation
• Women in the sports business
• Mental health and workplace culture
• Leadership and resilience
• Parenting and purpose
• Female CEOs in insurance
• Sports career transitions
• Building mission-driven companies

If this conversation moved you or gave you perspective, consider supporting the show.

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☞ Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk!

Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations at the intersection of sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress. Follow, watch, and share your voice—because it matters.

Follow & Engage

🔹 Spotify (Video) → Watch Full Episodes
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In this episode, Sid Bensalah welcomes Radha Balani, Partner and Director of Strategy at Think Beyond, for an honest conversation about purpose, performance, and progress in sport. From her deep experience shaping strategies for some of the world’s most iconic clubs and brands, Radha breaks down how sport can—and should—be a vehicle for social change, commercial growth, and community impact.

The episode explores why sport can’t fake purpose, how storytelling connects fans to values, and what it takes to turn corporate talk into measurable action. They discuss bold moves by clubs like Liverpool FC, the shift from philanthropy to shared value, and why data shows purpose-driven brands outperform their peers.

Radha doesn’t shy away from hard truths. She calls out systemic issues in the industry, from performative sustainability to gender inequality, and offers grounded, practical advice for sports executives who want to lead with integrity and impact.

Timestamps

00:00 How Storytelling Drives Purpose in Sport – With Radha Balani of Think Beyond

01:30 The Role of Sports Beyond Results and Revenue

04:26 The Power of Storytelling in Sports

10:07 Translating Purpose into Action

30:01 The Impact of Purpose on Performance

30:22 From Philanthropy to Shared Value

32:00 Data Supporting Purpose-Driven Companies

33:49 Challenges in the Sports Industry 35:37 Addressing Inequality in Women's Sports

44:00 The Role of Athletes in Social Change

48:26 Advice for CEOs and GMs

50:08 Inconvenient Truths in the Industry 52:23 Lightning Round Q&A

55:59 Closing Thoughts

With her trademark mix of honesty, logic, and warmth, Radha gives listeners a clear view of what the future of sport could—and should—look like.

Support the show

☞ Stay Connected with Pre-Zero Sports Talk!

Join host Sid Bensalah and the Pre-Zero Sports Talk community for real conversations at the intersection of sports, leadership, faith, community, and clean progress. Follow, watch, and share your voice—because it matters.

Follow & Engage

🔹 Spotify (Video) → Watch Full Episodes
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